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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

We adopted Jewels and Dibs already neutered, so why is Dibs humping Jewels? This only has started happening when we moved. Jewels usually puts up with it, and then runs away. And Dibs seems to be rather polite about it, if she won't put up with it, then he doesn't force her, but he's always trying to get past first base.

So what's the deal? Has the move upset them? Has it ignited bunny passion? What is going on? And, my worst fear - could they accidentally not be really fixed? I am guessing if a mistake was made it was only with Dibs, since he starts it. But if it was with both, OMG, I can't handle babies!! Now that I think about it, maybe I should separate them.

BBSan Francisco Area

Forum Leader

8930 posts

5/29/2006 4:39 PM

Don't panic. It's probably just the move. Sometimes moving makes bunnies feel the need to re-establish a heirarchy. He is wanting to re-establish his dominance. Sounds like Dibs is the top bun, and I don't mean literally. But bunnies hump each other regardless of sex, to tell the other one that he or she is boss. So Dibs is telling Jewels he's the alpha. I don't recommend separating them, especially at this critical time. (unless it's getting out of hand) You don't want to unbond them.

What you should do is allow him to hump her as long as she isn't getting angry, and she isn't being prevented from eating, and drinking. He'll stop once he feels satisfied she understands he's the boss, and since she does seem to allow him to hump her for a bit, then it should be short lived (keep fingers crossed)

If he becomes relentless, then you will need to give her a break, but still allow him to hump her in short intervals. Let him hump for 20 seconds, comfort her while he's doing this by petting her, and then push him off for two minutes, and let him repeat. Then if you need to separate overnight or while you are away, then that is the last resort, but make sure that they still see each other everyday. You don't want to have to go through a rebonding process.

If you are still concerned about whether he's intact then take a look: You can easily SEE if a male has been neutered. When a male is intact, it's obvious if you know what I mean. If he's over 4 months, their testicles drop. Though some males testicles can be pulled up, by now you would have most likely noticed them at some point.. If you are still not sure, then bring him to your vet.

Keep us updated!

GraveheartedCampbell, CA

2443 posts

6/06/2006 5:00 PM

Binky gave you right on advice...

there are also some bunnies who still enjoy getting *ahem* busy even after they're spayed or neutered.

Generally though it's all about establishing who's top bun. As long as he's not humping her face or getting aggressive with her, I wouldn't worry about it. If he does hump her face - turn him the right direction him ASAP, since it's really owie and likely will require a vet visit if he gets bitten there!

Thanks Gravehearted!!!! Perfect additional info. I totally forgot about the "ol danger to the jewels" during face humping. Egads.

It's also funny when Jack tries to get fresh with Rucy. All my bunnies are altered, but like you said, every once while, he'll just try and see what happens. Of course Rucy will have none of it, and he quickly gives up.

But you can see hope in his eyes as they are grooming each other, he gets "that look" and cautiously and carefully makes his way around, starts to make a move, and then Rucy runs away, and his hopes are dashed. Sometimes he'll follow her, hoping his persistance will pay off, but most times he just sadly watches as she walks away.

Poor Jack.

GraveheartedCampbell, CA

2443 posts

6/07/2006 7:42 PM

Posted By BinkyBunny on 06/06/2006 8:29 PM he gets "that look" and cautiously and carefully makes his way around, starts to make a move, and then Rucy runs away, and his hopes are dashed. Sometimes he'll follow her, hoping his persistance will pay off, but most times he just sadly watches as she walks away.

LOL - that's the exact same dynamic between Viktor and Dori! He's all like "heeeeyyyy, pretty Dori" and she's like "oooooo no you don't" and goes scampering off!